The mission of Redding Army Airfield was advanced flight training of new airmen prior to their deployment overseas into the combat zones of the Pacific, China, Mediterranean or European Theaters. The USAAF 339th Fighter Squadron, 369th Fighter Group operated P-39 Airacobras from the airfield to perform that mission.

On 1 November 1944 control of Redding AAF was transferred from the Fourth Air Force to the Sacramento Area Command of the Army Air Forces’ Air Technical Service Command headquartered at McClellan Army Airfield near Sacramento. The host unit was redesignated as the 4191st Army Air Force Base Unit. The mission was changed from training air crews to that of a refueling and maintenance facility for transient aircraft. Redding AAF was sporadically used by the Army Air Forces’ Air Transport Command as a refueling and service stop.

On 19 December 1945 the military declared Redding AAF excess and on 18 November 1946 it was turned over to the City of Redding for a civil airfield. Final transfer of the facility was in 1949, ending military ownership.

Today the City of Redding continues to operate the airport and has started a major commercial development.[3]

In 12 months through April 2012 the airport had 104,674 aircraft operations, average 287 per day: 46% local general aviation, 17% transient general aviation, 36% air taxi, <1% scheduled commercial and <1% military. 222 aircraft are based at this airport: 175 single-engine, 27 multi-engine, 15 helicopter and 5 jet.[1]

The City of Redding is in the process of expanding the passenger terminal. The result will be an estimated $6 million expansion and face-lift, with the majority of funds coming from the FAA Airport Improvement Program. The current terminal will be expanded from 20,000 sq. ft. to approximately 30,000 sq. ft. The secure passenger holding area will increase its holding capacity from the current 70 passengers to around 200 passengers. The holding area will also have restrooms; a convenience for passengers who currently must leave the sterile area if they wish to visit the restroom.[6] This project is being constructed by the general contractor, Danco Builders Northwest, out of Arcata, CA.

A view of the expansion from inside the current terminal as of June, 2013